In the March 2016 Budget Statement, the UK government announced that from April 2018, it would tax some sugar-sweetened drinks. Beverages will be taxed at one rate for medium-sugar drinks (5 to 8 g per 100ml), and a higher rate for high-sugar beverages (more than 8g per 100ml). Although often described as a 'sugar tax', it won’t apply to all sugar-containing drinks - flavoured milks and yoghurt drinks will be exempt because of their calcium content.
Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are one of a number of so-called 'discretionary foods' that are high in calories and low in nutritional value. The UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition describes their consumption as a risk factor for weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Rates of obesity and diabetes continue to rise in the UK, despite initiatives such as the Change4Life campaign.
